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I love how Boston cab drivers are all against Uber, GPS, using their roof lights appropriately, etc. Then they get all bent out of shape when people use any decent transport service that they have as another option. Here's an idea cab drivers: do a better job, and people won't use Uber or a car service. Every time I get in a cab I have to explain to them how to get to where I'm going, and then give me some kind of fucking attitude about it. Or when I try to get in a cab at a cab stand and they ask me where I'm going, and if they don't like the destination, they tell me they're on break.

Get your act together, Boston Cabbies, or the people of this city will find other ways to get around.

I have addressed this dozens of times here. Owners/Drivers were forced into picking between two companies to handle their processing. These companies charge extremely high rates based on other companies. I won't even go into the endless ads squacking out of the thing 24/7....

The method of selection of these companies was at best..questionable. Yet no one wants to think about the myriad of very good reasons why we are unsatisfied with our credit card processing companies. You rather just think we are being difficult because...the hell of it?

Actually its not. Here is the math... I run on average $3,000 a month through Squareup at 2.75% Those other machines charge 6% I am saving 3.25% by using a system not mandated by some obviously bribed municipal employee.

Theirs=$190
Mine=$82.50

Plus Square almost always has my money the next day. The other guys (Uber and CMT) take up to 5 days to get me paid.

Other advantages. When I conduct a transaction with Squareup I can look right in the app and see the transaction has been processed. Further I get an email telling me that it has.

The other guys I have to log into their system using nothing besides Internet explorer and verify the transaction has been processed I then have to look at the records from the bank and compare them. HUGE PAIN IN THE ASS.

SQUAREUP IS A WAY BETTER DEAL... yet it is illegal for us to use because....why?

Other things about it piss us off. When you rent a cab you have to pay cash. They refuse to take credit... no I am not kidding yet the city won't mandate that they have to.. why?

As for your insistence that its an income dodge the math on that does not really work out well for you there either. It costs around $40,000 a year to rent a taxi. That is a rather large deductible wouldn't you say? If I run $36,000 a year in cards I am still short how much?

The IRS tax dodge claim is right up there with us paying the T to close early. Its an Ubran myth based on ill will and very little facts.

If it costs you $40,000 to rent a taxi and your revenues are $36,000 you are an idiot operating a cab at a loss and need to find a new line of work. I don't even know what you are trying to say because what you are saying doesn't make any sense. The art of confusion might work on drunk people at night but it isn't going to work here.

If your net income on the other hand were $36,000 and you hid $10,000 of it, you would save $1500 in federal income taxes alone, not counting payroll taxes and state income taxes. If you are paid in cash it is easy to hide the money, especially tips, because the IRS can't prove how much of a tip you got. People aren't stupid.

I also have no idea what "Theirs=$190 Mine=$82.50" even means - it is just more nonsense. That is 70%, not 6%.

I'm not sure you know how to do math? BostonCab seems to have a bit of an issue as well, as based off the numbers given, 6% fees on $3,000 would be $180, not $190 as BostonCab said, but he's a lot closer. Not sure where you're getting 70%.

You realize that that 70% only applies for those specific numbers used in this example, and 70% isn't what's going to be the percentage saved in every situation, right? You didn't explain what you were doing with the numbers very well either. And I don't know why you're saying the rest is $2820.

So from BostonCab, he's saying if it's $3000 in charges coming in a month, and he's paying a 2.75% service charge, he's only paying $82.50 in service fees, and someone with a 6% service charge is paying $180 [sic, since he put 190, easily chalked up to a typo]. If your beef is with him saying he's saving 3.25% you should state as such. I'm not certain why you're saying it's 70%, not 6% either, as he stated the 6% is the service charge other people pay.

Credit card revenues.. as stated in my math,. You have no concept of how taxes work. Look into what they call "deductions" by the time I am done deducting everything from credit card processing fees rent on a cab quarts of oil cell phone bill all of that.. I get a refund.

Want me to sign a petition to reform the IRS I am onboard. Dont insist I am cheating because I rather not give a credit card processing company 6% of my earnings just to offer you the convenience of paying by card on a $5 fare.

When the city mandated that you had to accept credit cards they increased fares by 16% at the same time. Cry me a fucking river. You are making more money per fare (well beyond the fee) and have more fares overall due to the convenience of credit cards.

I am making money yes. I dont know what part of this you don't get. The hiding income idea is silly really. Are there probably guys that do it? Ya... have there been cops that robbed gas stations? Yes. Does that mean all cops rob gas stations? No right?

The more income I dont pay 6% processing fees on the better off I am right? Can you at least get that much? Cash doesnt cost me 6% to deposit. Squareup only costs me 3.25 % right? If I am going to offer the convenience to my customers shouldnt I try to save myself money?

Yes, I do. When someone tells me the machine is "broken" when it clearly isn't, that's being difficult. When I ask to pay with a card, the driver says "I'd prefer cash" and can't offer a reason why when asked, that's being difficult.

If we had the power to change this we would. In the mean time expect to keep getting told the machine is broken or whatever other bullshit they say these days. Personally? I lifted up the front floor mat and took out the blue CAT5 cable. Screen disabled and we are using squareup and saving me the 3.25% if you want to use a card.

It's just funny to me that you're such a stickler about uber not having to follow laws and regulations but you don't give a shit about the laws and regulations governing your cab that tell you not to unplug the credit card machine. it's almost like people are using uber because they're sick of people like you and your bullshit attitude.

or its the larger more comfortable cars and drivers who are happier people because they are not saddled with unreasonable regulations on top of having to pay $105 a day to work before they make any money. Again ignore the facts and the inherent problems with the taxi system and just focus on me thinking you are a turd.

OK.... no problem. Then when you have complaints you dont mind if I explain the underlying reasons these problems exist rather then just letting you believe we are out to get your crazy ass then do you?

oh you were just explaining the reason? it seemed like you were on here calling everyone cunts and living up to every shitty stereotype of a cab driver, didn't realize you were just patiently explaining the reason why fare lights don't work.

yes, i am a hero. i take a cab like once a year so i don't really give a fuck, but since you make a living running a cab company maybe you should give a fuck when your customers are unhappy? or don't, i don't care. no sweat off my sack.

Can you charge the customer a convenience fee for using a credit card? I guess I'm not a typical customer because if I was taking a cab and wanted to use a card (because I don't carry cash) and they said there was a X% fee to use a card, I'd have zero problem with that. Yes, it could impact your tip, but I'd have no problem with it.

One time years ago I had a driver who claimed his machine was broken and I had no cash so he wrote down my CC# and my phone number. He called me the next day saying it wouldn't work (because he wrote the number down wrong) and wouldn't re-run a card for me. I had to go meet his neighbor at his job and give him cash to give to the driver. It was a pain, I would have simply preferred to pay a fee than run all over Revere to pay some guy's neighbor.

By the mandated regulations no. We are not even allowed to insist on a minimum amount. Revere cabs are different then Boston Cabs.. the cabs I have now are in Revere and we use Squareup. Sounds like you went above and beyond the call of duty.

I completely agree -and would also add, "Turn on your fucking headlights when you pull into the street." I've worked at an East Cambridge bar for over 8 years and we're constantly signaling cabs just put on their headlights. They're usually too busy ignoring us because they think we need a ride. What lunacy.

So... some guys buy their own lights and when they are being installed tell the guy how they want them installed and even get to pick where they want the switch to be placed.

If its an advertising light there are only a couple of companies that install those and not only do they give them to you for free they pay you to carry them. Since there is no overriding regulation on the install they install them how they like.

Let's say we do call the mayor. If you run your cabs in cities outside of Boston though, it would basically have no effect on any of your cabs right? So we'd have to call all the surrounding cities too and get their mayors to do the same thing?

You could have the state do something sure... but keep in mind there are 4400 taxi plates in the entire state and 1825 of them are in Boston. The facts I am relating are about Boston Cabs. I was at this meeting where the green light thing was agreed on. I was also privy to the information in real time when the plan was abandoned. Keep in mind whatever Boston Cabs do the other 2,000 in the Commonwealth will eventually do.

So your rebuttal is to just not get in to cabs that are already occupied? Or are you saying that you pay attention to which cabs don't turn off their lights then don't use them even when they're empty and looking for a fare?

and not do anything to solve the problem. I distinctly recall that at the meeting I am speaking of the city's transportation commissioner saying something to the effect that he knew of no public outcry that compelled him to address the situation. These people only ever bitch and moan to the drivers the one group that has the least power to change anything.

I totally disagree with this. Nearly all of my cab rides result in lively and informative conversations with the cab driver. Many cab drivers live interesting lives with amazing stories. I am sure there are rude ones, and I imagine it's easy to get grumpy if you've been toting around thankless or inconsiderate people your whole shift. But thrown a little kindness, I find most are great guys.

I find it awesome that I can make a phone call and just get picked up and escorted around the city as I need. Lux!

Yeah, I was referring to the actual dispatchers. Drivers are usually on their cellphones (using blue tooth, thankfully) which I don't mind at all. Although it does get annoying when we do the whole credit card vs. cash dance routine at the end of the ride. Maybe I will try Uber. Whoever owns the 'BostonCab' username isn't doing the best job winning customers over in this thread. ('Just suck dicks' ? Great PR, dude!)

If you had any idea what it is like to answer a phone that rings 500 times an hour

Operator" good evening taxi"
Caller "Uhmmm ya is this the cab company?"
operator "Yes mam what is your pickup address"
Caller" Uhmm ya we want to go downtown how much is that?"
operator" Where are you mam?"
Caller "Kinda near Brighton up kinda by BC"
operator " It is on the meter but it should be around $30"
Caller" oh well uhhmmm ok I guess we will take that please send a big one there is 9 of us"
operator" we can not put more than 4 people in a taxi mam you will need 3 cabs"
Caller "ohhh uhhhhmmm fuck that then"

Right, so because they get a few dumb calls every now and then means that they are allowed to be "nasty" to ALL calls they receive? You seriously need to rethink your business model and the way you treat your customers. You basically just excused your operators for being complete dicks. And perspective is everything, isn't it? Here's a typical phone convo whenever I call in:

phone rings for two minutes before someone with a very monotonous, tired voice finally picks up
Operator: Where ya going?
Me: Hmm, hi, I actually needed a ride to the Airport
Operator: Where you at?
Me: gives address
Operator: 15 minutes.
Me: Thanks, will the driver call whe-
Operator: phone clicks

I seriously wish it was a "few" dumb calls now and then.. Its like an entire city who has no fucking clue where they are.. If you like I will meet up with you one night and you can answer my phones for an hour.

As someone who works in customer service and deals with shitty customers all day, there is really no excuse for how rude the operators are. If they were held to any standard of decency by their managers it wouldn't be that hard for them to feign friendliness (as I do on every single call), but apparently as you've demonstrated throughout this thread Boston cab companies are too busy blubbering about their own problems to give a flying fuck about good customer service.

Also.. I mostly agree that the call center people suck. Keep in mind they mostly make minimum wage and one company I know of hires from a federal word release program. LOL.. I always wondered if the tracking devices on their ankles interfered with the phone calls at all?

They pay them nothing and hire trash understaff the radio room and dont understand why they get so many complaints. I was just trying to put you in their shoes for a minute...

Yep, and this is precisely why you need to resort to bitching on Reddit about how you are losing business to Uber. Good job, you just permanently lost one more customer (and I'm sure plenty more who are reading your replies in this thread). Brilliant.

Same here. I will never, ever, ever, take another smelly, non-english speaking, phone-talking jackass cab ever again. I'd really appreciate it if these lazy bastards stop sitting there honking their horns for 10 minutes at 6 AM in a residential neighborhood instead of picking up the fucking phone. Cabs are worthless.

Man, some of your replies are really off base and not called for, which hurts your other posts which are detailing the actual process. No, people shouldn't let opinions create a warped interpretation of facts presented, but that's human nature. If you're being a dick, people are going to be a dick right back, regardless of your potentially justified reason for being a dick in the first place.

Actually I would agree some may be rude (and funny) but they are to the point. I have offered a counterpoint to every single complaint someone has stated here and given detailed explanations of what it is like to be on this side of the call/partition.

The problem is you're too attached to being on your side of the call and are being very patronizing towards people on the other side. That's never going to get people to listen to your point of view, except for some few select types of people.

For instance, I've worked in retail and in a call center, and I've also been a customer very pissed off at both types of business. I know it sucks having to basically suck up to the people who are dicks to you, but until you can properly empathize with both sides at the same time and effectively communicate the understanding of both sides in one go, people aren't going to really listen. Because people suck.

That's for certain. People will wave away an explanation that doesn't fit their existing view point for any half-assed justification they can. This is why you can't win entitled people over by calling them entitled.

Agreed. Earlier in the thread someone mentions Credit cards and I ask if they just think we are being difficult for no reason. They state that it is. I go into a detailed explanation of our problems with the CC system and they reply by saying " I AM THE CUSTOMER AND IT IS THE LAW"

LOL.. no one really wants to know the reasons why we dont like the CC system (city fucked us) they just want us to take CC and smile and say thank you.

Please recommend that they institute the plan set up under former Boston police hackney carriage commander Robert Ciccolo (CHA CO LOW). This gets it fixed faster than complaining to the drivers about it or posting on /r/Boston.

If you do nothing to solve the problem when presented with a solution please cease complaining about the problem.

I'll see if I can find it. My original idea was the green lights on the dashboard like Toronto has. This was transformed into replacing the amber lights already in place on the roof with green lenses. Green lights on cab available green lights off cab not available. This plan had the added advantage that when out of town cabs pursued this system they would by definition be breaking the law by soliciting when they activated the green lights while within the Boston city limits.

It stands to reason that most people wouldn't know about this option, given that a taxi cab is often about as memorable as a leaf blowing by in the wind and we treat it with the same sense of courtesy. That said, it seems perfectly reasonable for someone who paid or attempted to pay for a product or a service who is not then satisfied with that product or service to be able to complain without being treated disrespectfully in return.

To that end, I have two questions for you that I ask with absolute sincerity and no sarcasm or malice intended: 1. Why are your responses in this thread full of obscenity and incivility rather than an attempt to open appropriate discourse between yourself and other redditors? and 2. I understand the "be the change you want to see" mantra, but if even you seem to not be a fan of the whole light situation by looking at other comments in this thread, why is it then only our responsibility as the consumer to attempt to fix this? Shouldn't you yourself be lobbying for change on your own behalf? What is being done on your end, besides swearing at people you don't know on the internet?

1) Its 13 years of hearing about this problem doing everything I possibly could to rectify it and then watching it not get fixed. It will not change unless the public lobbies the only man in the city who can fix it over night. Again complaining on reddit will not get the problem solved unless his honor the Mayor has a reddit username and stumbles on this thread. The city does not see it as a problem because no one does anything more than bitch to the cabbies and write the occasional complaint on a bulletin board.

2) I came real close a few years ago as I mentioned. There was an agreed upon plan in place with a time line for implementation. I prefer not to jerk myself off but this was 99% because of my tireless lobbying efforts on this matter. I finally got the Hackney carriage commander at the time to see it as a public safety issue. We had a meeting at Boston police headquarters with the relative groups represented. The owners agreed (reluctantly) to the plan and before deployment the guy who I convinced to pursue this the hackney commander Robert Ciccolo got promoted and the new guy gave no fucks about the situation.

Again this is one of the most regulated businesses in the city. Nothing gets done until the city mandates it. I did my best here and if you,as I do,want it changed lobby the Mayor. He is the only guy who can "make it so". What have you done to fix the problem aside from chastise me and comment on a reddit thread? Have you called the number I provided yet or filled out the webform? What are you waiting for?

Don't get me wrong - I have no dog in this fight. I have my own car, occasionally I use the train if I really need to; I have little need for a taxi, and as such I don't complain about them. But, as a Boston redditor, I came into this thread curious on the discussion the original remark would have spawned and found it extremely unappealing that you would treat others with such adamant disdain when trying to turn them around to your cause. Why would people want to do anything to improve the taxi situation when your reaction is to call them "hipster cunts"? The comment I replied to seems like it should've been the first you made, as it is fair and informative.

That said, I'm at work myself so no calls, but I'll happily fill out a webform and "do my part," as it were, if the exchange for that would simply you just being more generally affable. There's just no reason to be rude to the people who can help you or who are venting while looking for the possibility of a solution.

I understand that 13 years of this would wear you down, but if you want our help, if you want to rally reddit behind your cause, it stands as notable that the information presented in the comment I originally responded to in addition to the information you just provided, when given in a polite fashion - even if it is given to otherwise silly complaints that you hate - is a better way to make your point than name calling.

Please just understand that I either want people to be proactive about fixing the situation or stop seeing it as a situation. Again... 13 years.. "Why is yourrrrrrrrr light on" (read in grating hipster cunt voice from midwest)

Also as far as my language and level of frustration? This is now the most popular thread on /r/boston this morning right?

I understand, and yes this is a popular thread, but I'd wager most people are laughing at you rather than thinking of helping you. I'll be honest and admit that that was my initial reaction when browsing the thread. Just look at the ratio of upvotes this post has gotten due to the initial complaint, that Boston cabs suck, against the amount of downvotes you get for your language and attitude. I'd say you're hurting your argument more than you're helping.

What webform? After surfing around I see a 'taxi complaint' form here, but it's for a specific incident with a date and time. I don't see how we're supposed to petition for this using the link you provided.

THIS ONE... tell the Mayor what you want. He is the only guy who can do things like this on his own. I'll explain why if you like but trust me this is up to Tom here and no one else.

htthttp://www.cityofboston.gov/mayor/24/ If you want this to be fixed this is how you do it. Either click this link and fill out the webform or call 617-635-4500
Please recommend that they institute the plan set up under former Boston police hackney carriage commander Robert Ciccolo (CHA CO LOW). This gets it fixed faster than complaining to the drivers about it or posting on /r/Boston.
If you do nothing to solve the problem when presented with a solution please cease complaining about the problem.p://www.cityofboston.gov/mayor/24/ If you want this to be fixed this is how you do it. Either click this link and fill out the webform or call 617-635-4500
Please recommend that they institute the plan set up under former Boston police hackney carriage commander Robert Ciccolo (CHA CO LOW). This gets it fixed faster than complaining to the drivers about it or posting on /r/Boston.
If you do nothing to solve the problem when presented with a solution please cease complaining about the problem.

lol, you're the naive one who doesn't have any idea how anything works if you really think anyone will ever read your complaints, let alone care about them, let alone do something about them, unless your uncle paid for a state rep to get elected or something.

I think they're more expensive for the same distance actually, but you usually have to drive further in Boston cuz of the way the roads are laid out. Either way though, I usually just end up having to take an Uber anyways because I can't get a normal cab, so worst of both worlds :(

You do realize that you are complaining about lack of regulation or regulation enforcement and have been presented with a method to have the regulation changed right? Have you pursued the avenue I have provided a map to yet?

Also does anyone else see that most Boston Taxi hater threads quickly turn into an Uber dick sucking contest? Its almost like Uber shills are posting Boston Taxi complaints in an orchestrated method to promote their business for free.. couldn't be right?

Here's the thing; as customers we have zero interest in changing your company for you. I see cabs differently than a bus or train you seem to think they are the same and that I need to take responsibility to fix Boston cab companies myself.

Do you understand that cab companies should be seeing that Uber is taking business from them and making changes to stay competitive? I realize that supporting Uber makes Boston cabs even worse but that doesn't mean I would take one for that reason or go out of my way to fix it myself

You are missing the part where we are more heavily regulated by the city then the average business. If you want something about the T to change you lobby the MBTA right? No difference here.

As far as Uber goes they are totally unregulated and therefor can compete on multiple levels because of the lack of regulations. If I set up a beer stand outside a bar I could probably take a bunch of the bars business if no officials stopped me right? I could sell to whoever I wanted serve them as much as I like, charge what I wanted when I wanted.. on and on... you can not do that right? Because alcohol is a heavily regulated industry just as paratransit companies are and should be.

Paratransit companies should barely be regulated past not allowing ex-cons to operate them. Destroying the medallion system and quintupling how many taxis we have would be a good start. Until then, I'll be glad to use Uber or whatever else to help the current taxi cos go out of business ASAP, for what replaces them won't be worse.

Tough shit, for lack of better words. Why the hell should the rest of us tolerate arbitrary restrictions on the number of taxis, which results in Boston having literally the highest taxi fares of any major city in the country??

The arbitrary restrictions are not the only reason for the high cost. The thousands of people who bring cars here and don't register them here resulting in much higher car insurance have just as much to do with the cost as anything else. Think about that the next 5,000 times you see out of state plates within a mile of your home.

Here is a fun fact. Boston Lic Cabs are the cheapest in the Commonwealth.

They are the main reason. The city requiring cabs to be new hybrids is the other main reason. If we open the floodgates and let anyone without a criminal record and a 1996 Toyota Corolla operate a cab, fares will drop to minimum wage + gas + basic maintenance almost overnight.

Car registrations likely have almost nothing to do with the cost of taxis (vs. insurance; cracking down on that is a separate question but go ahead).

The situation with taxis in the city is obviously so intolerable that people are even to deal with even that.

I'm in favor of whatever bankrupts and destroys the existing taxis in Boston so we can have something anything else come after. We already have the highest fares in the country. How will you possibly make it worse?

I mean... by all means don't call the number.. but when you bitch as a cab drives by you with the light on... dont be surprised.

I would address the rest of what you are saying...Cabs are a publicly regulated utility just like the electric company but it dont matter right? You dont care enough to call the number then you shouldnt care enough to bitch about it on reddit.

Just pointing out the key difference, as to why people don't feel compelled, nor intuitively inclined, to call the mayor about poor taxi service. People don't view taxis as a public service. When you don't like the service at a restaurant, you don't call the mayor. You stop going to that restaurant.

I understand that the regulations placed on taxis are a bitch, and probably unfair. And I get that you're probably burnt out on trying change things to no avail. Clearly, you're bitter about it. But being cold and dismissive to people questioning the broken system won't fix it. The way you're talking to people, no one wants to help. Encourage people to make that call, without the shitty attitude.

I do something better... but thanks for that. I am just beating my head against the wall trying to make the point to people that the reason they are able to offer the service they do is because they are operating with no regulations vs. an overly regulated enterprise.

You're cutting yourself short with this kind of meaningless commentary. I've seen you post before. You have legitimate things to say about cabs in Boston. Don't get defensive. Advocate. Explain how the system here screws cab drivers.

Usually, the last train leaves GC around 1:00 then sits at State Street for 5-10min waiting for the last Orange Line train, then sits at Aquarium for ~5 minutes waiting for stranglersstragglers, then does a normal trip up the Blue Line. So it's not unusual for me to get off at Airport around 1:30 if I'm on the last train.

The last trains arrive at most terminus' at about 1:15 as it is. If you have the last trains leave at 1:30, they don't shut down until almost 2:30, if they're lucky. And that leaves them less than 3 hours to complete their multiple-page list of maintenance items for that night. They really use all the time they have as it is; squeezing them more isn't going to help.

Look up the documentary Boston Under on Youtube; it details the work that goes on at night after the T shuts down. Very informative.

And that leaves them less than 3 hours to complete their multiple-page list of maintenance items for that night. They really use all the time they have as it is; squeezing them more isn't going to help.

Not sure if you didn't read what I wrote.... I said they could push back the start of service the next day as well, so you have the same amount of time for maintenance.

Perhaps on the weekends, but you can't really interfere with the morning commute during the week. And if all you're doing is shifting everything a half-hour, it's a lot of readjusting schedules for a very minimum gain in the active service time.

It doesn't seem like a minor gain to me. The T shutting down so early on the weekends is the #1 complaint me and many of my friends have about the T. It's even the #1 complaint about Boston, for two people I know. To me it definitely seems worth it to consider it during the next schedule adjustment.

But maybe I'm biased, and it's really not something 99.9% of T riders would care about. In that case I admit it's not worth it. It's just hard for me to imagine that.

During the week yeah, but on the weekends? I've been on the first train in the morning on Saturday and Sunday a couple times (because I was out real late the night before) and it seemed pretty dead to me.

But of course I'm just assuming based on my own experience. I'd love to see some hard ridership numbers, if they've studied this possibility before.

Yeah I was really surprised to hear that it was losing money, because the one I took (Red line to Cambridge) was always packed, and they were charging $2.00 when most buses cost $0.85. There's no way they were losing money on that route, but I guess other routes canceled it out.

I agree it would be super convenient to be able to take the T home from the bar. However, I've seen the people who come out of the bars near Faneuil Hall, and I don't think I want them riding the T home. The T would exposed to alcohol induced vomit, medical emergencies, vandalism and violence. You'd need to staff extra transit police, and spend more on cleaning, not to mention time-and-a-half for drivers, since it's late. I would wager that the extra hour would be one of the most expensive operating hours for the system.

Once you've been trapped on a subway car with vomit sliding across the floor towards you as the train accelerates, you'll agree.

Prior to that deal they were broke right? The deal was no good and they took it right? Its a consistent pattern of mismanagement bordering on gross misconduct because there is no incentive for them to run the thing properly.